Layout your clothes before putting them on and check
the proportions. Juggle jackets, scarves & belts to re-arrange the
clothes to get the look you want.

Thinner fabrics are more slimming.

Tops and bottoms of one color will make you look
thinner.

Wear clothes that fit.

Wearing too large clothes will exaggerate your figure
not hide it.

Avoid belts unless you have a slim waist.

Use accessories carefully.

You can make your wardrobe impressive with mix and
match jewelry.

Shoes depend less on you body shape than you height.
Do not buy clothes on impulse. Plan before you buy a blouse or
pants. Be somewhat scientific about shopping, consider your body
type, and colors.

Ask yourself some questions;

Do you have anything you can mix and match with it?
Does it match your lifestyle?

Will it be comfortable, nonchalant, and easy to wear?

Is it machine wash or dry clean only?

Will it fit your budget? Is it appropriate?

Is it a fad, can it be worn more than one season?

Is it of good quality? Quality counts, it is better
to have four or five mix and match out fits of quality, than 8 or 10
'steals.'

Think in terms of outfits when you shop, and be
practical. When you buy a new dress, be sure you have shoes and
other accessories to go with it. Maybe a jacket or scarf to wear
over it to give it a different look.

Clothes Styles and Body Shapes

High collars shortens necks.

Tight tops with short sleeves and breast pocket is
detracting from your figure. Shoes with straps shortens your legs.
The torso can be shortened or narrowed with seam lines, belts, bows,
and collars.

A short necklace can shorten your neck.

A scarf or belt that hangs down toward the legs will
make the legs appear longer. Knitted texture, lace, floras, prints,
and plaids can assist in creating an illusion. Thicker vertical
lines in plaids lengthens and slims.

Wear a larger print where you want people to look and
smaller print where you do not want them to look. An all over print
can camouflage figure problems, but prints here and there can create
a fuller you.

Prints around the neck and over the shoulder can make
your shoulders appear wider. Just wear prints near the parts of your
figure's assets, because they are usually more eye catching than a
solid color.

When buying pants be sure they fit well. Defects are
emphasized in a pair of pants that may go unnoticed in a skirt.

Petite women.

Petite women need to keep clothes in line, slim
narrow belts. A slight contrast in colors and fitted lines will
flatter you endlessly. Also stay with fabrics that are soft and
flowing that fits well. Over powering prints should be avoided.

Tall women.
Tall women can indulge in wide belts, avoid tight clothes and skirts
that are to short or to long. Beauty expert Stephanie Faber
recommends tall women play down their waist by wearing their blouses
over the pants and skirts and avoid tight belts.

Hip heavy triangle woman.
A hip heavy triangle and round full figured women can use clothes
with vertical lines to make an up and down illusion. V-necks and
skirts with slits up the sides are also good. Clothes with small
padded shoulders should be chosen . Too big of pads will make you
look like a foot ball player. Wear long tops that go passed your
hips. Choose jackets, tailored suits and shirtwaist dresses with
straight, classic cuts. Lighter colors on top can be worn, this
brings eyes up. Wear dark stockings and avoid patterns. Select
vertical, fluid patterns and avoid bulky fabrics. Adopt the just
below the knee look in dresses and skirts. Choose accessories close
to the same color clothes you are wearing including shoes. This
gives your body an unbroken slimmer look. Avoid very wide pinafore
skirts. Stay with straight or Aline skirts.

Top heavy woman.
The top heavy body types need to choose long jackets without
shoulder pads. Do not wear blouses with fancy details and ruffles.
Do not wear clingy fabrics on top, choose darker colors on top. Do
not wear tops that are to light. Tops with dolman or raglan sleeves
and ones that fit loose and slims down to hug the hips and waist are
good. Wear pants or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down.
Choose thin materials like cotton, or cotton jersey. One color
dressing will also be thinning. Flat shoes are best unless you are
short, then wear heels. If your legs are in good shape shorter hem
lengths will draw attention away from your top.

Rectangular type woman.
The rectangular type can accentuate curves by wearing jackets or
tops that hug the waist, feminine thick sweaters over skirts or
pants. Use patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension. Round
out the neckline with necklaces, scarves and other accessories, and
use shoulder pads.